The Community Farm

Applying appurtenant water rights to 11+ agricultural acres in the high desert southwest, the farm produces apples, pears, cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, grapes, and diverse vegetables, which are donated to local charities for distribution. Organizations involved include: Food for Santa Fe, The Food Depot, Kitchen Angel’s, Saint Elizabeth Shelter, The Salvation Army, Saint John’s Soup Kitchen and Bienvenidos Outreach. Volunteers come from a wide variety of groups including schools (elementary through graduate school), Elderhostel, inter-faith groups, the shelters, private citizens, and individuals fulfilling court ordered community service.

A major project will partner teachers, students & families from local schools with The Community Farm, the last remaining farm in Santa Fe. For this project, the Community Farm will contribute orchard & vegetable fields, plus irrigation, farm equipment and farmer/educators. With these resources, the school community will raise their own fresh organic produce. The after school & summer school programs will be responsible for participating in each stage of the growing and harvesting process. As the harvest begins in June, fresh produce will return to the school and will be offered to the after school and summer school students as a healthy snack. The youth will conduct taste testing that will lead to a better understanding of which varieties of produce children like best. The program will culminate in a Community Harvest Festival.